Sparks
The first time I tried this, I loved the opening, with its spicy peppercorn, sour citrus, and sweet spun sugar nuances, but I was caught off guard when, moments later, it began to take on an unmistakably musty smell. Strangely, I didn't totally dislike it. Along with the cotton candy, it reminded me of a spooky old carnival darkride. But as time went on, it just became mildewy basement. It felt stuffy and suffocating.
But fortunately, months later, I gave it another shot, and the musty smell was completely gone. Now, it smells just like the notes: a unique combination of sweet, spicy and sour. I don't know if it was time that changed it, the weather, my skin, my own sense of smell, or what, but I'm glad I'm now able to appreciate it. The three 'flavors' are balanced well, so it never veers too far in any one direction, and retains its layers.
Somehow, it smells better after several hours of wear, with even ostensible top notes staying surprisingly strong. That bergamot is persistent. Eventually it fades into sandalwood and patchouli. As a whole, it lasts for about 10-12 hours. Silage is moderate, but slightly more intimate than the other Puppet Parfum fragrances. I think of this as a summer or fall scent, more summer than fall. Seems good for slightly more special occasions, rather than daily wear. Finally, I say this about every Puppet Parfum scent (because it's true!), but this is really unique, nothing else quite like it, and I very much recommend giving it a try.
Bittersweet
I usually dislike overly sweet scents, so I was surprised by how much I loved Ingenue. Its sweetness is just one part of a complex and evocative whole.
It starts with a big hit of dewy, freshly mowed grass and roses just cut from the bush. Dries down into soft, sweet rose, along with almond vanilla cookies and the distinct smell of old cakey eyeshadow and powder blush. It instantly reminded me of childhood memories at my grandma's house. This is a really special fragrance. Nostalgic and cozy, but also radiates bittersweet melancholy and longing for simpler, more innocent days that are gone forever.
Personally, I find it a bit too sweet to wear regularly, but I put it on when I want to relive those memories. It feels like a warm-weather scent to me. It has moderate silage and lasts about 7 or 8 hours. Although it's not my style for daily wear, this could be a beautiful signature scent for someone else. At the end of the day, I feel like this is a perfect execution of the idea, the best version of itself. I recommend giving it a shot even if you (like me) aren't sure if it's your thing, because while it might not be, you might (also like me) end up surprised by a beautiful and bittersweet experience.
New into old
This is a perfume with a story and a world all its own. It opens with an invigorating burst of rainy spring morning, so earthy, fresh and green I can feel buds opening, flowers blooming, and weeds poking up through cracks in the muddy sidewalk. It's the smell of new beginnings and new life.
As good as that opening is, what's really fascinating is how seamlessly it transitions from new and fresh into aging and well-worn, bringing us indoors into the atmosphere of an old house. The scent profile changes to one of cedarwood, patchouli, wilting flowers, and fruit just past its prime. Slightly forgotten, slightly uneasy, maybe slightly haunted, but still a home. A safe, dry place from the rain, full of memories, heavy with the past.
Haunted Baby ties these two opposing profiles together beautifully, crafting a truly unique experience. It evokes so many scent memories of beautiful spring days and creepy old houses alike. There's something extremely comforting about it that no other perfume replicates. It is my all-time favorite. I just want to live in this fragrance. But I use it sparingly, so the magic doesn't lose its potency.
I associate this very strongly with spring, but it's also perfectly wearable during other seasons. It has fairly strong silage. It is strange and earthy, but not so much as to not be wearable around other people. In my experience, it lasts about 12 hours.
Highly recommended for spring lovers, rain lovers, haunted house lovers, patchouli and earth note lovers, and those awash with bittersweet memories and a longing for a long lost home.
Dark and intriguing
A deep, dark, and mysterious fragrance. Uniquely sharp and bitter, coursing with dark spices and musk. Smoky pine pitch dominates but doesn't overwhelm. It transports me instantly to a cold, cursed forest inhabited by an ancient wizard or perhaps a Troll. It's a bit off-putting, and not a crowd pleaser by any means, but Troll really captivates me, pulling me deeper into its world.
The initial sharpness fades after a while, leaving a blend of spice, musk and pine that is as dark as it is strangely soothing. It lasts about 4 to 6 hours before only the musk note remains, going slightly powdery but keeping its edge all the same. Silage is average for an oil. Appropriate for harsh, cold days, especially ones spent outdoors.
This scent is not for everyone, but those who are into spicy, woody, and natural scents, and don't mind some tasteful bitterness, will enjoy it, as well as anyone who wants to smell like an evil wizard or a Troll. It's complex, well-made and fascinating, and sets my imagination ablaze with twisted stories of magic and folklore. One of my favorite BPAL creations.